Who Has Haleigh Cummings?

Suspected Stepmom Claims Missing Girl's Biological Mother's Family is to Blame for 5-Year-Old's Disappearance

(CBS)  Misty Cummings blamed someone on "the other side of the family" for the disappearance of her 5-year-old stepdaughter Haleigh in part one of her exclusive interview Friday on "The Early Show."

But who did Cummings mean by "the other side"?

Cummings, who was babysitting Haleigh the night she disappeared in February, explained in part two of her interview that she meant someone on Haleigh's biological mother's side of the family.

Though Misty Cummings said she doesn't think Haleigh's natural mother, Crystal Sheffield, had anything to do with the disappearance, she said, "(Crystal) wasn't close with her daughter. She admitted that they didn't have a close relationship," Misty said. "... I don't think she personally had anything to do with it, just someone on her side of the family."

Haleigh Cummings' Stepmom Speaks Out

Cummings is currently a suspect in the case; she says she was sleeping beside Haleigh when she disappeared. But police say her story doesn't add up.

The 17-year-old stepmom, according to police, has failed to provide a detailed account of that night, and physical evidence contradicts what she told investigators.

Ronald Cummings, Haleigh's father, who married Misty a month after Haleigh's disappearance, has said through his attorney that he has noticed some discrepancies in Misty's story.

Terry Shoemaker, Ron Cummings' attorney said on "The Early Show," "(Ronald) always thought that she told the truth. He has had some concerns regarding what she has said, some discrepancies between different statements, but he has stood by her all along."

"She Wasn't There When I Woke Up"

Ronald, who was to appear on "The Early Show" with his lawyer, couldn't make the interview because of a family illness, Shoemaker said.

Ronald Cummings is now divorcing Misty, Shoemaker said -- not because Ronald doubts her story -- but because the pressure of the ongoing investigation into Haleigh's disappearance had been building up in the household.

As for Misty Cummings' claims about Sheffield's family, Shoemaker said Ronald Cummings has talked to Florida police about them, but he hasn't accused anyone.

"He doesn't know what took place that night," Shoemaker said, "And he said wants everybody to be looked in to."

And "everybody" includes his current wife, whose story, Shoemaker said, Ronald Cummings doubts somewhat.

Missing Girl's Sitter's Story Doubted

"He in no way believes that she was involved whatsoever. ... She has changed her story a little here and there," Shoemaker said, "but nothing major."

But Misty Cummings says her story of the night Haleigh went missing hasn't changed. "It's the same, it's the truth," she told Rodriguez.

Misty Cummings claims that in the middle of the night she discovered Haleigh had vanished from her bed. In February, she said that she found the trailer's back door wide open.

Cummings was also babysitting Haleigh's younger brother, Ronald Cummings Jr.

Cummings told Rodriguez she put Haleigh to bed at 8 p.m., and the last time she saw the little girl was at 10 p.m. when she herself was going to bed.

But, Rodriguez pointed out, Misty Cummings' own brother told police that when he went to the trailer that night, his sister wasn't there.

Cummings responded that she didn't leave the house at all that night. She said her brother is trying to get out of jail by implicating her.

"Your own brother would betray you like that?" Rodriguez asked.

"That's how my family is," Cummings said.

Although Florida police have focused their attention on Misty Cummings, Rodriguez said, they appear to be no closer to making an arrest.

Cummings told Rodriguez she's "100 percent positive" she had nothing to do with Haleigh's disappearance and that she doesn't know who did.

Florida police are still considering Cummings a suspect as the investigation goes forward.

"If that's what they got to do to find Haleigh, then look into me," she said. "But they just need to move on, look for the right person because I'm not the right person."

[poorerobin]

People tend to forget there is a missing child out there. Both of these families have been "attention seekers" from day one. I don't know either family whatsoever but the only one that seems dogged in the search for Haleigh is Ron. The biological mother has did nothing but bash Ron and his family--not really looking for her missing child. Sling your accusations all you want in private--but if you are in the media spotlight know how to conduct yourselves with civility. Now saying that, I do believe the biological mom is at the heart of this abduction. There are too many coincidences for it too be random. Her back child support case coming up? That smells of motive. Granted, she had help from someone--who is to know that this was not orchaestrated by Crystal, and Misty becomes an accomplice. I think Haleigh is still alive--I hope she is--and living with Crystal's family. After the media hoopla died down, I don't remember seeing Crystal anywhere. The Sheffield family should be thoroughly investigated--all of them. There is just something not right with this abduction--many people have given Misty way too much credit for being able to fool investigators for this long. She is just not that smart! I would bring in all three--Misty, Crystal, and Ronald and hold lengthy interrogations separately. Someone will definately break!

[pals4hope]

FYI
A list of who Art Harris sites as his sources:
Skeptics close to the case
Sources close to the case
Sources close to the investigation
A source close to the case
In every story Mr. Harris sites a source close to the case.
Of course when Mr. Harris says a source close to the case he could be talking about anyone. Sources close to the case could include: William Stuabs, Kim Picazio, and an entire list of shady characters. He may even include himself as a ?source close to the case?

[GenealogyKR]

pals4hope:

I agree with you 150%...finally, someone that has common sense. Get off Misty...it will never solve this case!

[pals4hope]

Who had motive to take Haleigh Cummings. The mother Crystal Sheffield had all the motive in this world. $12,000 in back child support and a court hearing that could have put her in jail. She found out about this a day before this child went missing. She had her first seizure at this time. Crystal Sheffield or someone around her (relative, fiance, lover) had the motive to take Haleigh Cummings. She wants custody look at what she has done. Her mother keeps telling everyone on the internet the father killed Haleigh Cummings. They are on My Space, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Comment forms getting people to call DFS for them. They want custody and they want it bad. They have for some time. Even took the kids and refused to give them back when he had legal custody. Motive, Motive, Motive.

[Anyomous]

Has anyone looked near Brittan's house?

[mareleigh]

One of the major problems in this case has been the total focus.. Needless to say, Misty has been an issue and a problem. Because,of the illusive timeline, from 8:30 now to 3:00am. The Le in Putnam county has not, nor will look at the Bio-Moms Family.. First I hear, gosh, her owing 12 grand in child support that isn't enought Motive. Hello, how about a bit of prison time for failure to pay child support, as per Florida Law. So, Motives: Owed Child Support, Facing Jail Time, and there is another one.. No one wants to touch. The Triangle between Crystal / Ron / Misty.. Yes, Folks, Called Jealousy and Anger. So, now you have two more Motives to Add, which could well have promoted the Taking of Little Haleigh. Would anyone on the bio- mom's side harm Haleigh.. Of Course not, that is totally fictional. What was the relationship between Ron and the Bio Mom's Family, Well, lets see.. Marie would like to see Ron Drawn and Quartered.. Past and Present, and Johnny, well he would really like to be the one to do the Drawn and Quarter Ron.. Sister Sarah beat up the last live in girl friend of Ron. There is no love lost directed towards Ron. Absolute, total Hate spent in his direction. Now, the time variance, Crystal and Mom live and hour and a half away..(this case is filled with hour and halfs), but Grandpa Johnny lived 20 minutes away by car, a very short boat ride down the river, and with him in the same community, was Sister Sarah and Brother Marcus.. So, the element of time and distance is another farce. So, why is the bio Mom' Family exempt from the investigation? Very good Question.. There is Motive, Opportunity, and Recources. But a blanketed Exemption. Grandma Marie spent a story to Wayanne, that Haleigh was being molested by Ron, although when it hit the Public eye, this was immediately deemed a lie and made up by Wayanne.. Trust me there are alot of twist and turns here.. But, at a dead end, with the exemption standing as a Rule of thumb.
I look at the news reports and what little do the Reporters actually know about this case.. You guys are left totally out of the Loop, and given just enought to make it look only in the direction of Misty. Well, I'll you.. All paths the Le has gone on so far are dead ends!
But, they have had a few leads, that seemed to all lead to looking for a Dead Child, but, I would pretty well guarentee all of those leads were made up, to put LE on a Witch Hunt, leading no where. Could or Did Ron harm Haleigh.. No he couldn't that child is and was the Apple of his Eye. I can assure you of one thing, if Ron knew where Haleigh was, he would be standing on the doorstep of the people who have Haleigh, right this moment.
Ron stood by and protected Misty, fearful that if he did not, that she would have left the area, they would never be able to find Haleigh. That was the reason for the marriage and his protection. The reason for the divorce, he realized it was not his job in life to keep her close at hand, it was LE's Job to keep tabs on her. He wants his Child returned, and Junior wants his big Sissy home. So, I suggest that people look at all the facts, and climb off the Band Wagons.. Someone took Haleigh, that is a fact. Someone she loved and Trusted.. If it's not the Bio-Dad's side, then Look at the Bio-Moms.

[pals4hope]

Who had motive to take Haleigh Cummings. The mother Crystal Sheffield had all the motive in this world. $12,000 in back child support and a court hearing that could have put her in jail. She found out about this a day before this child went missing. She had her first seizure at this time. Crystal Sheffield or someone around her (relative, fiance, lover) had the motive to take Haleigh Cummings. She wants custody look at what she has done. Her mother keeps telling everyone on the internet the father killed Haleigh Cummings. They are on My Space, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Comment forms getting people to call DFS for them. They want custody and they want it bad. They have for some time. Even took the kids and refused to give them back when he had legal custody. Motive, Motive, Motive.

[soapboxbandit]

This case has more twist and turns than a mountainous highway. After watching the drama unfold for 8 months now.

Looking over the last few weeks events, I think Ronald Cummings is responsible for the disappearance (and is most likely a death) and Misty is his teenage bride pawn.

My opinion aside, all of this fingerpointing, name calling, cheap shots, road rage - three ring circus hoopla - is really getting to be too much.

I'm coming to realize that all of us following this story is contributing to these people's behavior. They are tremendously enjoying their "15 minutes of fame," without regards to it being at the expense of a missing child.

And as long as all of us continue to watch, they will continue to perform.

[pals4hope]

Who had motive to take Haleigh Cummings. The mother Crystal Sheffield had all the motive in this world. $12,000 in back child support and a court hearing that could have put her in jail. She found out about this a day before this child went missing. She had her first seizure at this time. Crystal Sheffield or someone around her (relative, fiance, lover) had the motive to take Haleigh Cummings. She wants custody look at what she has done. Her mother keeps telling everyone on the internet the father killed Haleigh Cummings. They are on My Space, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Comment forms getting people to call DFS for them. They want custody and they want it bad. They have for some time. Even took the kids and refused to give them back when he had legal custody. Motive, Motive, Motive.

[browneyesblue]

I happen to be ashamed of anyone who keeps accusing Misty Cummings of having something to do with little Haleigh missing! I have been watching this as well from day one, & called in tips on the hotline, but all they have been doing is focusing on Misty. Maybe she was the last one to see her just like she has said from dayone maybe not? There is never any mention of the two guys that were found only miles away on the railroad tracks in Palatka just difters, that the law was called to run them off of Private property when this happened. Who's to say they didn't take her? I happen to beleive Misty, & it's a shame for all of you who post blog's or other wise to cast the first stone! Ronald should be ashamed for not standing by her. He needs the snot knocked out of him for verbal abuse to Misty. She was caring for his children at 17 years old ! Do any of you remember being 17 ? They need to focus on others around Misty as she says and stop thinking she had something to do with this. FIND Haleigh, not accuse Misty. All of you that are bashing the South due to this are just ignorant. And NO I happen to be a an original Yankee, happy to be planted in the south, Trailers & all, & No I don't live in a Trailer, & just because Haleigh did does not make her Trailer Trash as I've seen posted! I'm preying for Haleighs safe return every day but truly ashamed of you that are accusing Misty.

[pals4hope]

Who had motive to take Haleigh Cummings. The mother Crystal Sheffield had all the motive in this world. $12,000 in back child support and a court hearing that could have put her in jail. She found out about this a day before this child went missing. She had her first seizure at this time. Crystal Sheffield or someone around her (relative, fiance, lover) had the motive to take Haleigh Cummings. She wants custody look at what she has done. Her mother keeps telling everyone on the internet the father killed Haleigh Cummings. They are on My Space, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Comment forms getting people to call DFS for them. They want custody and they want it bad. They have for some time. Even took the kids and refused to give them back when he had legal custody. Motive, Motive, Motive.

[chikencat]

The whole thing is so sad,it gets worse everyday,this one pointing their fingers at that one and that one claiming the other is doing something else.It has gotten old now.Like Misty said move on to looking for Haleigh.Does not look like LE can get to the bottom of the story then get the big guns on it.If they think Misty or Ron has the answer then take them in and don't let them go till they get the answers.Mean while LE is wasting to much time.I personally am tired of all the crap this story has generated.Time to find the child and put the whole mess to rest.Now I have followed the story from day one,and it is so hurtful to see the lack of care in the families of this child.So please if at some point they ever loved Haleigh,then think of her and bring her home.And Misty that was a cheap shot you made about Crystal.Her heart is just as broken as Ronald if not more,and he took her little girl from her,had he not she may be at home safe with her.Shame on him and you.Crystal has not been near as cold as Ron and his family,have you checked out her sights,she includes Ron and his family,in pictures and words,but on his,they excludes Crystal.That is cold and mean.She also gave money for help in finding her daughter.What has Ron done,making a fool of himself,asking for handouts for himself,going on TV to get attention for himself and Misty.So Misty shut up,get a grip and tell what you know,know matter who it hurts.

[pals4hope]

Who had motive to take Haleigh Cummings. The mother Crystal Sheffield had all the motive in this world. $12,000 in back child support and a court hearing that could have put her in jail. She found out about this a day before this child went missing. She had her first seizure at this time. Crystal Sheffield or someone around her (relative, fiance, lover) had the motive to take Haleigh Cummings. She wants custody look at what she has done. Her mother keeps telling everyone on the internet the father killed Haleigh Cummings. They are on My Space, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Comment forms getting people to call DFS for them. They want custody and they want it bad. They have for some time. Even took the kids and refused to give them back when he had legal custody. Motive, Motive, Motive.

[chikencat]

The whole thing is so sad,it gets worse everyday,this one pointing their fingers at that one and that one claiming the other is doing something else.It has gotten old now.Like Misty said move on to looking for Haleigh.Does not look like LE can get to the bottom of the story then get the big guns on it.If they think Misty or Ron has the answer then take them in and don't let them go till they get the answers.Mean while LE is wasting to much time.I personally am tired of all the crap this story has generated.Time to find the child and put the whole mess to rest.Now I have followed the story from day one,and it is so hurtful to see the lack of care in the families of this child.So please if at some point they ever loved Haleigh,then think of her and bring her home.And Misty that was a cheap shot you made about Crystal.Her heart is just as broken as Ronald if not more,and he took her little girl from her,had he not she may be at home safe with her.Shame on him and you.Crystal has not been near as cold as Ron and his family,have you checked out her sights,she includes Ron and his family,in pictures and words,but on his,they excludes Crystal.That is cold and mean.She also gave money for help in finding her daughter.What has Ron done,making a fool of himself,asking for handouts for himself,going on TV to get attention for himself and Misty.So Misty shut up,get a grip and tell what you know,know matter who it hurts.

[pals4hope]

Who had motive to take Haleigh Cummings. The mother Crystal Sheffield had all the motive in this world. $12,000 in back child support and a court hearing that could have put her in jail. She found out about this a day before this child went missing. She had her first seizure at this time. Crystal Sheffield or someone around her (relative, fiance, lover) had the motive to take Haleigh Cummings. She wants custody look at what she has done. Her mother keeps telling everyone on the internet the father killed Haleigh Cummings. They are on My Space, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Comment forms getting people to call DFS for them. They want custody and they want it bad. They have for some time. Even took the kids and refused to give them back when he had legal custody. Motive, Motive, Motive.

[pals4hope]

Who had motive to take Haleigh Cummings. The mother Crystal Sheffield had all the motive in this world. $12,000 in back child support and a court hearing that could have put her in jail. She found out about this a day before this child went missing. She had her first seizure at this time. Crystal Sheffield or someone around her (relative, fiance, lover) had the motive to take Haleigh Cummings. She wants custody look at what she has done. Her mother keeps telling everyone on the internet the father killed Haleigh Cummings. They are on My Space, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Comment forms getting people to call DFS for them. They want custody and they want it bad. They have for some time. Even took the kids and refused to give them back when he had legal custody. Motive, Motive, Motive.